In a tragic incident on Wednesday night, a commercial plane carrying 64 passengers and crew members collided mid-air with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Both aircraft subsequently crashed into the Potomac River, sending shockwaves through the nation’s capital and prompting a massive rescue operation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that American Airlines Flight 5342, en route to Reagan National Airport, collided with the military helicopter during its landing approach. Eyewitness videos circulating online show a fiery explosion as the plane and helicopter crashed into the river, igniting a massive blaze.
Emergency responders, including the Washington Metropolitan Police Department and local fire and rescue teams, rushed to the scene to search for survivors. The White House confirmed the collision involved a commercial airliner and a military helicopter, though the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation, expressing his condolences and praising the efforts of first responders. “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,” he said in a statement.
Vice President JD Vance also took to social media, urging prayers for those affected. “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best,” he posted on X.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who serves on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “I am closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and I will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow. While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities,” he wrote.
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of casualties, but the crash has raised concerns about airspace safety in the densely populated Washington DC area. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the collision.
In the aftermath of the crash, all flights at Reagan National Airport have been temporarily suspended, causing significant disruptions to air travel in the region. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area to allow rescue and recovery operations to proceed unimpeded.